Page:In the name of a woman (1900).djvu/74

 and both the men were vastly interested in everything I had done. I had had the place fitted as a gymnasium, with every kind of appliance that money could provide; many of them sent specially from England.

"I did not know that you Roumanians cared for these things at all," said Zoiloff. "I have not done you justice."

"I am half an Englishman," I answered, purposely—for I had begun to alter radically the original part for which I had cast myself. If I was to stay in Sofia, I felt that I must wrap round me the protection which that magic formula, British subject, alone could give. The announcement surprised them both.

"Ah, that accounts for it," exclaimed Zoiloff. "You English are a wonderful people. But why do you come to Sofia? Pardon me, I have no right to put such a question," he added hastily.

"I am also half a Roumanian; and the freedom of Bulgaria is essential for the independence of that country."

I turned away as I spoke, and pretended not to notice the swift, shrewd look which both men turned upon me.

"I shall hope to know much more of you, Count Benderoff," said Zoiloff, with so much earnestness that I thought my words had touched the chord in him I intended.

"I think it is my turn to be surprised in you," said Spernow. "And I hope that we three may come to understand each other well."

Were these invitations from them both to speak more openly? I thought so, but felt that for the present I had said enough.

"Shall we try the foils?" I asked.